Google May Expand Sign-In Options Beyond Google+

There has been no end to speculation about Google+, the internet search giant’s beleaguered social network. It has often been compared to a ghost town, one that Google has repeatedly tried to fill with people by linking Google+ with most of its services. An account on its network is required to post comments on YouTube and everyone who signs up for a Google account is automatically signed up for the social network as well. Though recent reports suggest that a major strategic review of Google+ is underway and its possible that this might lead to a change in how Google is represented on the web.

Most developers add social sign-in buttons in their websites and applications to make it easier for users to log into the service. This way they don’t have to go through an entire sign-up procedure, they can use an existing Facebook, Twitter or Google+ account. The Verge hears from developers that they’re now seeing an option to add a “sign in with Google” button on their websites. Its reportedly a simple blue button with a white “g” logo.

While a company spokesperson told the scribe that Google is “always testing things,” this move could bring in the next step in a series of changes that Google started back in December. Replacement of a Google+ sign-in button with a generic button would signal that the company doesn’t want the former to represent it around the web anymore. Given the popularity of the company’s brand it would make sense for Google to use the generic blue button.